Signing Off For Now

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Lucy Lawson has now returned from holiday and will resume her excellent work for us on the website. I have much enjoyed my stint in charge except for the battles with the technology itself! Who knows I might spring my thoughts and reports on you again, every now and then, now that I know how to do it. My final report follows.

Sadly last week was not the week we had hoped for in my last report. RUBY WINE was injured in the Galtres Stakes at York. She has suffered a fracture to her pelvis. She is however back in her own box here at Park Lodge. She has 6 - 8 weeks convalescence to do but, as anticipated, she is already proving to be an excellent patient. Assuming all goes well she will retire as a broodmare to her owners, Richard and Rachel Wilsons' Hockham Lodge Stud as was always intended. We are all very proud of her achievements at Park Lodge. She retires a Listed winner, Group 2 placed and Listed placed. Allied to that she has the most wonderful temperament and I am sure has a first class career ahead of her at stud. Thursday was a traumatic day for everyone concerned but everybody conducted themselves immaculately and I thank them for that.

The week started badly with CETSHWAYO unfortunately bleeding in his race at Yarmouth. I feel the testing ground had something to do with it and it is possible that he needs faster ground. I still think he should stay the trip but I will drop him back in trip next time. WESTER LODGE disappointed as well at Brighton. He seems absolutely fine at home and possibly it was just a case of going once in blinkers and on the track but not a second time. We will keep trying.

The last fortnight has perfectly encapsulated the highs and lows of racing! We look forward to the future! Over to you Lucy....!